Naomi Broady served eight aces and faced just two break points all match against Ukrainian opponent Kateryna Kozlova to avenge last year’s defeat, coming through in style 6-2 6-4 to reach the final round of qualifying at the WTA International ASB Classic event in Auckland, New Zealand.

Broady continued her excellent form after yesterday’s defeat of sixth seed Laura Siegemund into this match, winning 81% of points on her first serve, 67% of big points and 5 out of 7 close games, holding her nerve time and time again to come through in straight sets against the Ukrainian.

It was a very different story to this time last year, where the pair met in the first round of qualifying and Kozlova dominated, winning 6-1 6-4. This win, however, means their head-to-head now reads 3-1 to the Brit, with that win last year the Ukrainian’s only victory over the British Number Three. Broady’s WTA points total for this week following this win now rises to 14.

Broady now faces her expected final qualifying round opponent, top seed Magdalena Rybarikova, ranked 80th in the world. Rybarikova has also come through both her matches in straight sets, although arguably less convincingly than Broady. The reward for the winner could potentially be a first round clash against second seeded Ana Ivanovic in the main draw proper.

25-year-old University of St Andrews graduate with a rather insane passion for British Tennis. Boston United fan (don't ask). Favourite tennis player: the Brummie bunch - Dan Evans and Lloyd Glasspool.